The prayer you have lifted up, woven so thoroughly from the words of the Apostle, is itself a work of heavenly wisdom. What you ask is not merely good but is commanded: that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all in authority. And do not the reasons you cite from the blessed Paul show the mind of God? He desires that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity, and this is good and acceptable in the sight of our Saviour, who desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Observe, then, the marvel. By praying for those in power, even the ones who know not God, we become the architects of our own tranquility. For it is no small thing they contribute, by keeping guard, by suppressing those bent on sedition, by settling differences. The institution itself, ordained from the beginning, is a gift. Therefore, do not merely pray because you are commanded, but consider the fruit: a peaceful life in which the Gospel may run swiftly. For peace is the mother of all good things, the foundation of joy. Where peace is absent, everything is useless, and the devil dances. So pray with fervor, not only for the peace of the land but that this external calm may cultivate the soil of souls, that the word of the Cross may be sown without hindrance.
Yet in all these petitions, recall what true wisdom is. The rulers of this world often vaunt their own understanding, their strategies and alliances, but their wisdom is coming to naught. It is the so-called wisdom of the world, which God has made foolish. We speak a wisdom not of this age, the wisdom of God in a mystery, hidden yet now revealed, namely, that salvation is by the Cross. To the world, this is foolishness, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. So when you ask for wisdom for these leaders, ask above all that they might be granted the wisdom that begins with the fear of the Lord, that they might bow the knee to what seems foolish, and in that very act become truly wise. Pray that the wisdom which is from above, first pure, then peaceable, would direct their counsels, and that the schemes of the crafty would be brought to nothing.
You rightly desire that all be saved. Let this holy longing consume your prayers. For when the angels proclaimed, โGlory to God in the highest,โ they added, โon earth peace.โ But this peace is reconciliation; the wall of partition between heaven and earth is broken down. This is the peace Christ left, not the fragile, external peace that the world gives, but the peace that makes us stronger and unites us to Him. Therefore, beseech God not merely to protect their bodies or advance their kingdoms, but to sever from them the mutinous disease of unbelief, that they might be reconciled to Him. This, more than any treaty or victory, is true peace: when the enemy within is cut off, when the heart lays down arms before the Creator. So pray, weep, intercede, for no one is beyond the reach of the Physician.
Do not be dismayed when you see evil alignments rise. The Lord sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases; the kingโs heart is a stream of water in His hand. He works all things according to the counsel of His will. The very opposition of worldly powers, the raging of the nations against His Anointed, becomes the stage upon which He displays His power through what appears weakness. It was when the world through its wisdom did not know God that it pleased Him to save believers through the foolishness of preaching. Continue, then, in prayer with thanksgiving, letting your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart as you stand, loins girded with truth, feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, and the weapons He has given are mighty for the pulling down of strongholds. So pray in this way, and do not grow weary, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.